Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010; 58(7): 437-439
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1240847
Case Reports

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pulmonary Palacos Embolism: A Case Report

A. Rasch1 , J. Sindermann1 , H. H. Scheld1 , A. Hoffmeier1
  • 1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received October 11, 2009

Publication Date:
04 October 2010 (online)

Abstract

Instrumentation with cement-augmented pedicle screws has expanded the therapeutic spectrum. This technique is useful for the palliation of bone metastases and in generalized osteoporosis. Serious complications such as pulmonary embolism have been described following percutaneous vertebroplasty, a frequently used technique. We report the case of a 55-year-old patient with a large central Palacos embolism of the right pulmonary artery after corporectomy of the lumbar vertebrae 3 and 4 and reconstruction using autologous pelvic bone. The large Palacos embolism was removed successfully from the right pulmonary artery with extracorporeal circulation.

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Andreas Hoffmeier, M.D.

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
University Hospital, Westfälishe Wilhelms-University

Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33

48149 Münster

Germany

Phone: +49 25 18 34 74 01

Fax: +49 25 18 34 83 16

Email: andreas.hoffmeier@ukmuenster.de